New inspector to tackle crime

Inspector Michael Squire has been appointed as neighbourhood inspector for Bracknell South, which includes Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Great Hollands, Hanworth, Birch Hill, Easthampstead and Wildridings.

Insp Squire joins Bracknell local police area commander Simon Bowden, who has recently taken on the role of acting chief inspector for Bracknell.

Insp Squire says his priority in his new role will be to reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour and to make people more confident and secure in their daily lives.

His team has been working closely with Marks & Spencer and Tesco at The Meadows in Sandhurst in particular to introduce a high level of uniformed officer presence so shoppers can approach them about policing issues.

To reinforce the improved police presence, marked police cars in the car parks, a sign in the shop windows alerting the public to the presence of uniformed officers and the officers themselves should reassure the public and deter would-be criminals.

Inspector Squire said other priorities will include youth disorder, particularly when combined with alcohol abuse.

He is also putting together a robust operation which will be run by the beat officers at Bracknell on Friday and Saturday evenings, which, he said, will reduce the problems, and provide a uniformed presence to reassure the local community.

Insp Squire, who is also the deputy commander for the Bracknell area joined Thames Valley Police about 20 years ago.

He began his career as a police constable in Bracknell and has held roles including intelligence sergeant and shift inspector in Slough and Maidenhead, and has built up a wealth of experience in Bracknell Forest.